Emma Hayes left shocked by Brighton sacking Melissa Phillips and shares thoughts on Jurgen Klopp leaving Liverpool
EMMA HAYES was stunned by Brighton sacking Melissa Phillips after less than ten months managing their women’s side.
The Chelsea chief also empathised with Jurgen Klopp’s reasons for standing down as Liverpool boss and leaving at the end of this term.
Hayes, 47, was speaking to reporters on Friday less than 24 hours after the Seagulls announced the departure of Phillips.
The American head coach’s exit came five days on from Chelsea’s 3-0 away defeat of Albion.
It follows a run of seven losses in 12 WSL games this term with the Seagulls sitting second from bottom.
Brighton say their decision was “vital for the progress” they want to see the team make in the WSL with the club harbouring top three ambitions.
Hayes, whose team host Everton next, said: “The manager has only been in place since last April, she’s just brought players in the window this January.
“I thought they were a very organised team when we played them last week, but there are a lot of young players in there that take a while (to develop).
“Getting into the top three is tough for anyone.
“We’ve since the challenges it has posed for Manchester United and they’ve developed a much more experienced squad than Brighton.
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“I was shocked by that decision to be honest.
“Yes the game is going that way but no one is being paid a million pounds here (in women’s football) to make that decision. It seemed a little bit quick.”
Hayes’ side are currently top after 10 wins from 12 league duels so far this term.
And they hope to win a seventh WSL title under their boss who will leave Chelsea at the end of the season to take charge of the US Women’s team.
Hayes’ departure after 14 trophy-laden years in the Blues’ hot seat will coincide with Klopp bidding farewell to Liverpool later this year .
The German, 56, leaves at the end of this season after nine successful years in which he led the Reds to seven major trophy wins including Champions League and Prem titles.
And “running out of energy” was among the reasons Klopp gave for his decision to leave the club he loves.
Of his motivations to stand down from his role, Hayes said: “I related to everything he said, and I don't think maybe enough attention and time is put on the mental health and wellbeing of staff in football.
“Everybody expects the most from us (manager).
“Players expect everything from us, clubs expect everything, everyone expects everything. But the volume of hours you have to commit to this job is unsustainable.”
On Klopp’s candid explanation, Hayes added: “He articulated it better than me.
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“He articulated it really, really well. I don't have his luxury though, that's the difference
“Nonetheless, I also get to go to an Olympics and a World Cup (with the USA) so I just have to maybe reflect on that or keep myself as fresh as possible.”